Page 40 of Darkness Defined

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TutoringMatthadtobe one of the most difficult things I’d ever done in my life, and it had nothing to do with how intelligent he was. Now that we were talking every day, it was obvious he was actually wicked smart. He wasalsoincredibly funny, observant, and outrageously charming. Andthatwas a big problem… for me. If I’d been crushing hard before, I was now irredeemably smitten. Every time he asked an insightful question about the lecture, overall supernaturals, or—night help me—me, my heart melted a little more. Pretty sure all that was left of it at this point was a goopy puddle that spelled “I heart Matt”, and that wasn’t even taking into account my dreams.

I thought again about last night’s dream of seducing Matt. In the fantasy, he played coy, but of course, it felt like he did that in reality. His bright, curious eyes, his full mouth slightly parted as he sat way too close for standard friendship, leaning in with every word I said, as if he was waiting for something. In my dreams, I didn’t have to be strong. I succumbed to his innocent invitation every time.

I hummed to myself and debated taking another shower. The first had been wonderfully liberating as I relived every delicious second of the dream, but clearly, it wasn’t enough. I gave myself a good shake and pulled on a shirt. I’d have plenty of time to indulge my ill-conceived fantasies about Matt later. As long as I didn’t slip up and actually act on them, I’d be fine. Maybe. Probably.

Determined not to let my growing obsession with Matt ruin what was shaping up to be an incredible friendship, I walked into the common space. Matt glanced up from the workbook he was scowling at. I gave him a light smile and tried not to focus on how irresistibly adorable his pout was. “Good morning.”

“It’s about time you woke up. Sit down.” He absently reached over and pulled out a chair.

I rolled my eyes and did as he bid. Matt could be bossy, yet it had nothing to do with wanting to be in charge. He was just blunt with his expectations. I examined what he was working on. “You’re getting a jump start on the math, I see. You know this, you don’t need me.” I made to stand.

He sat up and caught me before I could get anywhere, then fidgeted like he did anytime he was anxious or unsure. Needless to say, that adorable habit had made it into my dreams.

My fingers itched to reach out and comb his hair back. He clearly hadn’t brushed it yet. I mentally shook my head; this was not the place for that.

“I can concentrate better when you’re here.” He looked back at the vacant chair.

I suppressed an exasperated sigh.

It’s like he really doesn’t care how much he makes me suffer.

“Okay, if I promise to come right back, can I at least get some coffee and a book?”

He released my arm and went back to staring at the page where all that was clear were eraser marks.

I bustled about the kitchen in pursuit of caffeine. “How long have you been up, anyway?”

“Long enough to know you take excessive showers.”

I almost dropped the porcelain mug. A glance over my shoulder revealed he was still focused on the blank page with single-minded intent.

“Are you going to get your book and sit down, or what?” He grumbled without looking up.

I set the coffee to start with the simple coffee maker and went to retrieve something to read. When I returned, the coffee was done. I fixed a cup, then made myself comfortable at the table, propping my feet up on a free chair. “There, are you happy now?”

“Are you really wearing house slippers?” Matt’s face screwed up in obvious judgment.

I looked down at my feet. “I’m not defending my footwear to you. My toes are cold.

“They’re probably always cold because of lack of blood flow,” he deadpanned.

I took too big a drink and scalded my tongue. “I beg your pardon.”

“Because you’re so tall, Alex.” He said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

He was going to be the end of me. No amount of caffeine could right this morning. “Shouldn’t you be doing your homework?”

“No need to be so fussy about it.”

I waited to glance over until I heard the steady scratch of pencil on paper. Matt hunkered over the table while he steadily scrawled out the solutions. We both knew he knew this, so why did he need me here? I shook it off and picked a spot at random in my book. I’d certainly read it enough times for it not to matter where I started.

Somewhere along the line, I must’ve dozed off. The book sliding down my chest startled me awake. I wasn’t sure how long I’d been out or when Matt had finished his homework. All I knew was that the sound of writing was noticeably absent. When I looked out of the corner of my eye to see what he was doing, I found him openly staring at me. I quickly refocused my attention on my neglected book.

“Did you know you snore? It’s not a lot, barely even there, really.”

“I can’t say that it’s been mentioned before.” I reached out for my coffee. It was still mostly full and stone cold. I spit the chilled liquid back into the cup and set it down. At this point, the only mercy was that he hadn’t said anything about me talking in my sleep. That would only lead to trouble.